reinvent the wheel
Meaning: To waste effort creating something that already exists.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “There's already a template for this; don't reinvent the wheel.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The wheel is the classic example of an invention nobody needs to make again. The phrase became common in the second half of the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Enfoncer une porte ouverte — literally: To break down an open door
More idioms — Daily Life
- a Pyrrhic victory — A win that costs so much it is almost a defeat.
- go to rack and ruin — To fall into a state of decay through neglect.
- an old wives' tale — A traditional belief, especially about health, that is not true.
- a pen-pusher — A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
- a word to the wise — A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.
- a shot across the bow — A warning of more serious action to come.
More English idioms
- protect one's turf — To defend one's area of control or responsibility against others.
- chase rainbows — To pursue something unrealistic.
- on one's toes — Alert and ready to react.
- left high and dry — Stranded or abandoned without help.
- blood will tell — Family background and inherited character eventually show.
- at a snail's pace — Very slowly.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu es un as — You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.
- Tu as de la répartie — You're brilliantly quick-witted — always ready with the perfect comeback.
- Eres un crack — You're brilliant — a total star at what you do.